Step by step
- Measure. Two cars side by side need about 5 to 6 metres of width.
- Check the crossing. If your drive gets wider but the dropped kerb does not, the extra width is only usable by driving over a full kerb, which is not allowed.
- Apply to widen the crossing with the council, as the owner.
- Choose how to treat the surface: extend, add a border, or relay the lot.
- Plan drainage for the new area.
- Book the work once the crossing is approved.
Matching the surface
| Existing surface | Options |
|---|---|
| Block paving | Relay original blocks over the full area, or add a contrasting border to hide the join |
| Tarmac | New tarmac rarely matches old; resurfacing the whole drive gives an even finish |
| Concrete | Usually best broken out and replaced |
| Gravel | Easy to extend; keep the same stone and grid |
Costs
| Item | Typical UK cost |
|---|---|
| Widening a dropped kerb | about £1,100 |
| Extra drive area | £60 to £120 per m², by surface |
Sources: Checkatrade dropped kerb and driveway cost guides, 2026.
Lamp columns and covers
If a lamp column, telegraph pole or utility cover sits where the wider crossing needs to go, moving it adds cost and time, and is sometimes not possible. This is worth checking before anything else.
Side drives and garages
Some semis have a narrow side drive to a garage. Widening across the front lawn creates parking at the front, while the side drive can stay as access. Gates across a side drive should open inwards, not over the footway.
Common questions
Do I need planning permission to widen?
The crossing needs council approval. The drive usually does not need planning permission if it is permeable.
Can I widen without changing the kerb?
Only if the existing crossing is already wide enough for how you will drive on.
How long does it take?
Allow time for the council's process before booking the drive work.
Can my neighbour and I widen together?
Yes, and a shared crossing can sometimes make sense for two adjoining drives.